felt

1. The blanket of absorbent material, e.g., wool,
placed between sheets of handmade paper that have
just been removed from the mold. The purpose of
the felt is to absorb water from the wet sheets.
See also: COUCH
(1, 2). 2. A continuous belt on a papermaking
machine, generally made of wool, but also as a
combination of wool, cotton, asbestos. and
synthetic fibers. Felts perform the function of
mechanical conveyors or transmission belts,
provide a cushion between the press rolls, and
serve as a medium for the removal of water from
the wet web. 3. The blanket of a printing press
used to soften the impression. 4. The inside
lining found in some book boxes. 5. A cloth
produced from matted fibers of wool, or wool and
fur or hair, and made into a compact material by
compression, usually while wet (17 , 274 )